During the Mt. Sterling City Council meeting held on July 21, Police Chief Aaron Noel took the floor to provide a comprehensive briefing on the department’s Flock camera system. The presentation was aimed specifically at addressing and dispelling a growing tide of misinformation regarding the technology circulating on social media platforms. By clarifying the operational scope of the license plate readers, Chief Noel sought to reassure the public that the tools are being utilized as legitimate investigative assets rather than instruments of invasive surveillance.
Chief Noel emphasized that the Flock system, which utilizes motion-activated technology to identify license plates and unique vehicle characteristics, has proven to be an essential resource for law enforcement. He highlighted several success stories, including the resolution of vehicle thefts, robberies, and the location of missing persons. Perhaps most significantly, the Chief noted that the technology played a critical role in the successful rescue of an elderly patient suffering from dementia, reinforcing his sentiment that the cameras are a vital tool he would want available if a member of his own family were ever in danger.
In response to public concerns regarding privacy, Chief Noel provided specific technical parameters to debunk common myths. He clarified that the cameras are restricted to capturing only license plate data and do not possess facial recognition capabilities, nor do they provide access to sensitive personal data like social security numbers or bank accounts. Furthermore, he explicitly denied rumors that the department is gathering private information from inside vehicles or selling data to third parties. Chief Noel added that all video footage is automatically purged after 30 days and that the system is governed by a strict internal oversight process.
The Chief addressed the legal and administrative protocols governing the use of the technology, noting that officers must provide a valid justification before accessing any footage. This system of checks and balances extends to outside agencies, whose access can be revoked if they fail to adhere to department policy. Regarding concerns about taxpayer funding, Chief Noel clarified that the cameras were purchased using drug forfeiture funds—a revenue stream specifically earmarked for law enforcement activities—rather than general city tax revenue.
Beyond the Flock system, the police department is currently launching an initiative to partner with private citizens and business owners. The department is requesting that locals voluntarily provide access to their private security camera feeds in the event of an emergency. Chief Noel explained that this collaborative effort could drastically reduce the time needed to investigate crimes, and he encouraged interested residents to learn more by visiting the department’s official website at mtsterlingpd.com.
The remainder of the July 21 meeting saw the City Council handle a variety of administrative and municipal matters. During a public inquiry, Council member Dr. Danielle King confirmed that city officials receive regular training through the Kentucky League of Cities regarding constitutional and civil rights. Additionally, the Council approved the emergency purchase of a 2024 Ram 4500 truck for the Public Works department, authorized the surplus of a wood chipper, moved forward on a $98,000 project to resurface Spring Street, and voted to apply for a federal officer wellness grant through the Department of Justice.